What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)? What Is a Mini-Stroke?

What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)? What Is a Mini-Stroke?
Thursday, May 12, 2011
By: Medical News Today

Medical News Today

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a "mini-stroke" has similar characteristics to a stroke, but unlike a stroke it only lasts up to 24 hours. The supply of oxygen enriched blood is cut off to part of the brain.

Although there is no permanent brain damage when a TIA occurs, sufferers are at high risk of having another one, as well as a full stroke.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is:

"a sudden focal loss of neurologic function with complete recovery usually within 24 hours; caused by a brief period of inadequate perfusion in a portion of the territory of the carotid or vertebral basilar arteries."

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack?

A symptom is something the patient feels or reports, while a sign is something that other people, including the doctor or nurse detects. A headache may be an example of a symptom, while a rash may be an example of a sign.